Instead of scaling back its program in response to the cost of living crisis, Wollongong’s Merrigong Theatre Company (named after the Dharawal word for the Illawarra region’s distinctive escarpment, a landmark of significant cultural importance) is presenting its largest ever season in 2025.
“That may seem counterintuitive, but I think actually what we’ve found, coming out of COVID and with the cost of living crisis, is that we’ve discerned two things. One is that the big shiny blockbuster does well in this climate, still – and also the things that are really connected, and local and relevant to the community, those have continued to do well, right through actually,” Merrigong’s Artistic Director and CEO Simon Hinton tells ArtsHub.
